Marcus Rashford 'seriously impressing' club chiefs with actions towards two Man Utd stars

Marcus Rashford's future has been constantly unpacked this summer, but things may now be changing for the Manchester United forward

Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist

10:33, 19 Aug 2026

[DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 12: JJ Gabriel, Marcus Rashford of Manchester United walks off after the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Croke Park on August 12, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)]

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Marcus Rashford has been playing a role in JJ Gabriel's development(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)

Marcus Rashford has been working closely with Manchester United 15-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel and prospect Shea Lacey in a mentor capacity. Rashford, 28, has looked set for an Old Trafford exit this summer, but his work with the youngsters is the latest sign he will remain with his boyhood club.

He has not played a Premier League match for United since December 2024, having been sent out on loan to Aston Villa and Barcelona. After the latter decided not to sign him permanently for 26million, Rashford now looks set to stay, despite both parties seemingly wanting a transfer earlier this summer.

Michael Carrick has reintegrated him into the squad and even deployed him in United's recent pre-season loss to AC Milan. While Rashford has not got the dream move to Barcelona he craved, he has not been sulking.

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Instead, the United academy graduate has been working closely with the Reds' graduates of 2026, which include prodigy Gabriel and bright star Lacey. According to the Daily Mail, his efforts in this regard have "seriously impressed" those in charge at the club.

Furthermore, it is believed that the likelihood of Rashford remaining with the Red Devils is growing with each passing day. Carrick has already held extensive discussions with the England international, who was given a tour of United's brand new 50m training facility.

Rashford has also been reunited with close friend Youri Tielemans, with whom he struck up a bond during his stint at Aston Villa. Former United skipper Harry Maguire has also thrown his weight behind Rashford staying at the club beyond the summer transfer window.

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Rashford has been lending his experience to United's young stars(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)

He recently said: "He's a huge threat to have in your team, if he's going to stay with us. Obviously the transfer window is still open, but we hope as players that he stays and he's a big asset to have.

"I've played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that from playing against him, and playing with him in training, he is going to help us."

Last season, Rashford's standout displays earned him a spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the recent World Cup. During his time at the Camp Nou, he racked up an impressive 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances.

[DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 12: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Marcus Rashford of Manchester United in action during a training session at Carton Hotel Blanchardstown on August 12, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)]

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Rashford has been all smiles since he started training with United again(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)

His efforts played a pivotal role in clinching La Liga, marking the first league title of his footballing career. It is claimed that the prospect of a permanent move to Barcelona this summer remains very much alive.

TEAMtalk recently reported Barcelona's hierarchy remain in contact with Rashford's representatives, despite having already brought in Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon this summer. United kick off their Premier League campaign this Saturday with a trip to newly promoted Hull City.

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